basketball behind the spotlight

Chapter 5 To Hire or Not to Hire

Yancheng, a small heavy industrial city in the southeast of Yingyue Kingdom, mainly produces steel, with a permanent population of just over 80.

The Wolves, a club affiliated to the Yangang Group, have been in the second-tier league all year round. This time the league expanded, Chairman Xia Hongfei relied on his rich personal connections to catch the last train.

After communicating with Thomas on the phone, he urgently convened the club's board meeting. After four hours of intense discussions, only half of the shareholders agreed to hire Lu Ziqiu, while the other half of the shareholders firmly opposed it.

Those who agree think that Lu Ziqiu is young and energetic, and has rich experience in leading and managing teams. Judging from the changes of the Los Angeles Bobcats over the years, it can be seen that his ability is extraordinary, and Lu Ziqiu has a reputation in the basketball circle. Known as Zhuge, it can be seen that his strategy is also one of the best in the circle.

Opponents think that Lu Ziqiu is now notorious. As the first team in Yancheng's history to participate in the first-level league, the Wolves' performance is not the most important thing at present. The most important thing at present is to create a positive and courageous team. With a good image, the audience will pay and the sponsors will get involved. Otherwise, with their funds, it will be extremely difficult to gain a foothold in the first-tier league.

Both parties were reasonable, and it was a coincidence that the number of people on both sides was exactly the same, so the vote of Chairman Xia Hongfei was very important.

He took a deep breath and said slowly: "Lu Ziqiu was introduced by Toms, the chairman of the Fire Team. This is enough to prove that the media's speculation about their relationship is all groundless. As for other reports, most of them are non-existent. Thomas I have known him for many years, he is a very arrogant old guy, he still doesn't bother to tell lies."

"We also doubt the authenticity of these news, but the fans and the media don't care about it. Now public opinion has described him as an ungrateful, treacherous and sinister villain. If we hire such a person as the general manager or head coach, I'm afraid the media and fans in Yancheng will jump out and question our team first, once we lose the support of the media and fans, we will lose the market."

"Yes, what is the purpose of running the team? If we lose the market, can we still persist?"

But someone immediately retorted: "The market is created by the actual results, not by the public relations image, so I think that as long as there are achievements, there will naturally be a market."

"Yes, I think so too, and I would like to add that the team and the city are closely related to each other. As long as we achieve results, the fans in this city will definitely support us."

"I would also like to add that what is most lacking in a small club like ours? It is attention and topicality. As long as there is a topic, there will naturally be attention. With attention, we can have the opportunity to have a broader market."

"I agree with what you said, but don't forget, as long as we train or trade superstars, we can still attract attention and win the market if we have superstars to support our appearance."

"Okay, okay, everyone, stop arguing. I've been arguing about these topics for hours. I'm almost exhausted. Lao Xia, I'm short of your vote now, so please be happy. , no matter what you choose, we will do it."

"Yes, Lao Xia, hurry up and make a decision. There is no point in arguing any longer. The expansion draft will start soon, and we need to prepare early."

The ten shareholders looked at Xia Hongfei almost at the same time. Xia Hongfei suddenly felt a lot of pressure. For someone like Lu Ziqiu, he felt a pity to let go of it, and he was worried about using it. It was really hard to choose for a while.

After hesitating for a while, he said, "Well, I'll ask him to come over tomorrow to have a talk. We're also preparing a contract. We'll decide on the details when the time comes. What do you guys think?"

"Okay, don't worry, it's this day."

"I'm OK."

"I agree too."

The shareholders all agreed, and Xia Hongfei made a final decision: "Alright then, this meeting is over, and everyone is tired, so let's go back and rest early."

After the shareholders left, Xia Hongfei rubbed his sore brows and sighed, "Thomas, Thomas, you really gave me a huge problem."

"Dad, why are you still in the conference room?"

Xia Kexin, Xia Hongfei's eldest daughter, is 26 years old this year. She graduated from a famous university with double doctorate degrees.

Xia Hongfei raised his head, showing a bitter smile, "When did you come back?"

"I just came back and ran into the board member who left." Xia Kexin sat down on the chair beside him, "Dad, I think the faces of those shareholders just now are not particularly good. Is it difficult to make a decision?"

Xia Hongfei nodded with a wry smile, "It's really difficult."

Xia Kexin's slender eyebrows frowned slightly, "Since it's so difficult, why don't you change to another one."

"It's a pity to change it." Xia Hongfei sighed, "Wait a minute, I'll call him and talk about it later."

Xia Kexin had something to say, but seeing that her father had already dialed the phone number, she thought it would be too late to see it first, anyway, it would be a day or two away.

"Hello, is this Mr. Lu Ziqiu Lu?"

"Hello, I am, what's your address?" Lu Ziqiu's indifferent voice came from the other end of the phone.

"I'm Xia Hongfei, the chairman of Yancheng Wolves. Is it convenient for you to speak on the phone now?"

"So it's Chairman Xia, hello, it's an honor to receive your call."

"I have known your name for a long time. When Mr. Thomas mentioned you to me, I was really shocked."

"It's just a false name, not worth mentioning."

"Mr. Lu is so kind."

Lu Ziqiu smiled softly, but did not answer.

Xia Hongfei also stopped complimenting, and directly turned to the topic, "Mr. Lu, I wonder if it's convenient for you to come to Yancheng tomorrow? Let's discuss it face to face in detail."

Lu Ziqiu agreed without hesitation, "No problem, I will book a plane ticket in a while." Because he also wanted to know whether the Wolves' team building culture was suitable for him.

Xia Hongfei immediately beamed with joy, "Okay, after booking the ticket, please send me the ticket information, and I will send someone to pick you up."

"OK, thanks."

After hanging up the phone, Xia Hongfei smiled at his daughter, "He agreed to come over tomorrow, and you can arrange a driver later, and ask the driver to pick you up at the airport tomorrow."

Xia Kexin shook her head and said, "There's no need to make arrangements, I'll meet him in person tomorrow."

Xia Hongfei asked in surprise, "Are you also interested in him?"

"I want to see what kind of person he is."

"Haven't you seen it on TV? There are also pictures of him in the news."

Xia Kexin stroked the hair on his forehead, and his eyes flickered slightly, "That's just the appearance, what I want to see is his heart."

(End of this chapter)